Trouble Sleeping Alone? Learn How to Rest Better Solo

Not everyone is blessed with the ability to simply sprawl out in an empty, quiet house and just zonk out right away. Many people struggle to fall asleep on a frequent basis, with these issues only growing worse when they are alone.

For some, all it takes is having another person in the house, though not necessarily in the same room, while others require a co-sleeper in order to get through the night. Let's look at some of the reasons a person could have trouble sleeping alone and what can be done to combat them.

Fear

A common reason people give for being unable to sleep alone is fear (somniphobia). Some are afraid that something will happen during the night, a health event or a nightmare, and they will not have anyone to help them through it. Others simply cannot stand to be alone, awake or asleep and require the company of others to feel relaxed.

Habit

If a person generally shares their bed with someone else, they could feel awkward when suddenly sleeping alone. This should feel similar to the sleeplessness many experience during their first few nights in a new home or when traveling to a foreign location. This is known as the “First Night Effect,” which only allows the right hemisphere of your brain to rest while the left hemisphere stands watch.

Hormones

Cuddling can be surprisingly beneficial to both physical and mental health, including quality of resting at night. This may be due to the release of the hormone oxytocin which helps to lower blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol, promoting a more relaxed and restful bedtime experience.

Tricks and Tips

Despite all these obstacles, it is still possible to drift off into Dreamland even while facing these issues. Some experts recommend relaxation techniques, such as journaling inner fears, meditation, positive thinking and calming visual thoughts, and other such activities that could ease the mind and alleviate worries.

Recent developments in apps featuring Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia could help guide sleepers through these techniques. Experts also recommend resting with a pet (like a dog). Many people rely on dogs as a form of protection and the body is still likely to release oxytocin while cuddling with a cat or dog. No wonder dogs are man’s best friend!

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If you'd like to read more and find the best relaxation technique for you, check out more in-depth posts below.

Author: Sarah Cummings

I think we’re all nerds, but I’m probably the biggest nerd in the group. Put me nose deep in a spreadsheet and I'll start smiling.

I love to travel, hang out with positive people, and love cycling when I find the time!

My hope is that everyone who visits our site will walk away with a fresh perspective. I think too many people in society downplay the importance of sleep. In my opinion, it’s the difference between an average life and an amazing one.

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Sleep Advisor was created out of frustration. We asked our friends about how they find information about sleep information and products. Most of them kept saying they go online and read what shows up on Google. After hearing that, we decided to try it out for ourselves. We conducted search after search and realized there was a common issue: The information wasn’t up to our standards.